The Mesquite Tree was a very important Resource for the Serrano Indians. They used the beans for food, the leaves to make tea, and the wood to make tools.

Mesquite Beans: The beans of the mesquite tree could be ground up to make mesquite meal and flour. The Serrano called mesquite meal PINOLE.

Mesquite Leaves: The Serrano used the leaves of the mesquite bush to make tea. This tea was used as medicine. It helped relieve upset stomachs, and was also used as an eyewash.